Theft-preventing device



July 17, 1923. 11,462,404

J. F. WHITE- THEFT PREVENTING DEVICE Filed 0c t.-25, 1920 j J JJj 1" Patented ma 17, ieaa amass sra some n. warm, or

OF CHICAGO, ILLINO res smear castes.

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15, 13. CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

THEFT-PREVENTING: DEVICE.

Application filerl October'25, 1920.. Serial No. 419,402.

To all whom it may concern."

Be it known that 1, Joint citizen of the United States,

Wnrrma residing at Chi= cago, in the county of-Cook and Stateof lllinois, have invented certain new and use.- ful Improvements in a Theft-Preventing Device, of which the fication.

following is a specl- This invention relates generally to theft preventing devices, and particularly to a type of such ber, such as a nut, cap,

utilized to retain the ple, screw, post or sim devices wherein a rotary memor similar element 15 held article on a ni ilar-part.

The general object of. the invention is the provision of such use as a radiator cap post,- andsimilar use,

change ,or special fitting in the mounting toa device suitabl'efor gen-- eralapplication but adapted particularly-for I on automobiles, a lock for retaining spare wheels on the carryingwithout requiring any which it is to be connected and which ordinarily constitutes part of the standard equipment of The general object vision of such ple and such'strong the automobile,

also includes the pro a device whichis of such simconstruction as to be susceptible of economical manufacture, and continuous use without impairment of ts functions.

A more specific object of the invention is the provision of such a device which may be incorporated in a radiator cap and controlled by a mechanism, the constr key-operated or other locking uction being such that the locking mechanism is protected from unauthorized operation.

device. 1

Another specific obj the the passage of or removal from the ect of the invention is provision of a device of the character specified which. is adapted to accommodate the post, or screw, upon which it is mounted,.entirely through it, in order to permit its being tions on the screw, as

difierent sizes or diff ticles.

placed at different posi for the retention oferent numbers of ar- Another object of the invention is the provision of a suitable retaining device afiording a mounting for an ins ture of that sometimes meter, or some other (1 the connecting means portions thereof may ator nipple.

trument in the nareferred to as amotor isplay device, whereby therefor and certain be housed in the radi.-

' Other objects of the invention will be pointed out hereinafter or indicated in the appended claims, or will be obvious upon an understanding of the invention as described with reference to the illustrative embodiments shown in the drawings and now about to be described.

In the drawings- Fig. 1 represents a part front elevation of a form of the invention as applied to use with an automobile radiator cap;

Fig. 2 is a section taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; I

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 and illustrating further the application of the device to the nipple of the radiator tube; and

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of a form of the invention illustrating its application to a retaining device for mounting spare wheels.

Referring to the drawings by means of the reference characters applied, let.it be understood that the numeral 1 designates a retaining member which is operable as a rotatable member, and may bein the form of a bushing, nut, cap, or similarelement. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, this retaining member is in the'form of a 'screw threaded collar designed to mesh with the screw threaded nipple on the radiator tubefl, with a marginal flange 1 arranged to engage over the periphery of a closure plate 3 and accommodate the tube of a motor meter M, or the attaching post of some other sort of display device andto permit rotation. of the latter relative to the-retainaccurate sliding fit with the inner face 7 of i the housing 4, the lugs thus functioning as guides effective to rgrtain the housing and reits taining member in proper co-axial relationship. As may be seen best by reference to Fig. 3, the lugs 6 are not continuous across the outer face of the retaining inember, but

areso disposed as to afi'ord an uninterrupted channel-way about the' entire periphery thereof. 7

The housing 4 carries a lateral emboss- 5 {neut- 8 which is suitably cored and finished form a mounting for a lock device 9.

i As illustrated in the present embodiment, this look device may be of the familiar tumbler cylinder ty e, mounted for rotation 10 in the lock housing 8 and retained therein by the spring ring 1Q. Its rotation in the housing 8 is controlled by the tumblers 11,

* which are retracted to inefiective position in th well known fashion by insertion of the- ,key, andwhen in efi'ective position, as

shown in Fig.- 3, are adapted toregister in the grooves 12 suitably provided in the lock housing, whereby. the cylinder is retained against rotation. At its inner end,

o-the' lock cylinder carries an engaging element in the nature of the stud or studs 14 which project into the space between the op-' posed cylindrical faces of the housing 4 and the retaining member 1. The width of .the engaging element is such that, when the cylinder is in one of its rotary positions the engaging element may traiel in theuninter: rupted channel-way about the retaining member 1; whilethe length of the engaging element is such that when the cylinder is in another position, the engaging element will interpose between adjacent lugs 6 of the retainin memberf In Figs. 2 and 3 the lock cy inder is shown [in the/first mentioned position and in which position -the tumblers 11 are projec'tpd into the grooves 12 when the key is not in the look. I will term this positlon of the'lock the free-' position, as when in such condition the hous- 40 mg 4 is free for rotation relative to the re v tamingmembeiyl. The position of 'the engaging element which I will term the secured position is illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 3, and the lock may be turned to this position from the free position by the in sertion of the key, which retracts the tumblers, and the rotation of the cylinder. in the housing is then permitted; The space'be- I tween the adjacent lugs 6 is such as to per-.

mit the rotation of the engaging element,"

from one of suchpositions vto the other.

In the application of the device to the l nipple, or its removal therefrom, the lock.

is first placed at the secured position. This,

by virtue of the engageihent'of the engaging element against one of'the lugs 6', secures the retaining, member 1 forrotation with the housing 4, which rotation maybe con veniently eifected by means of the handles 1e to screw the device onto or oil of the nipple; By such manipulation the retaining member-may be screwed home and the radiator tube may be closed efi'ectively thereby. The lock then being turned to the free position, further rotation of the housing ,4

imam v Will have no eii'ect upon the retaining member, either'as to movingit further onto the nipple or as to backing it off. Other access to the retaining member 1, whereby it might be engaged by a tool to effect its rotation, is prevented by its envelo ment by" the housing 4. Oncein place t erefore, the. device cannot be removed without 'theoperation of the lock with a suitable key. i

In this embodiment of the invention it will be observed that the stem of the motor meter passes through the top of the housing 4 and'is retained by a suitable nut 16,

over which is a suitable flexible gasket 17 bearing against the under surface of the top of the closure member; While permitting rotation of the housing4-relative to the retaining member, this will b effective to prevent leakage of steam .around the motor meterfrom the radiator tube.

the invention is shown incorporated ha Inthe embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4:-

device for. retaining articles on a post or' the like,; the particular form illustrated being designed as. a retainingmember for spare wheels carried on a rack on an automobile. In Fig. the character P designates a post'which is adapted'to be inserted through a suitable aperture. in the retained article. This ,post is screw, threaded or otherwise suitably formed for 'the' retention of the retaining member 1' at'different adjustments longitudinally of the post. The

retaining member 1' is in the form of a nut or similar element movable on the post by rotary'movement. and is housed within a rotatable operating member which comprises the housing portion 4' andthehandles' 15'. The'housing portion .is closed at its lower side-by the permanently attached ring '5' which covers thelower face of the retaining member and is formed with an axial aperture for the" passage of the post. The retaining member is provided with .the peripheral lugs 6 disposed as above described with; reference to the lugs 6'of the other -.emho'dim e nt"illustrated. The housing portion 4'. also carr es the lateral embossment 8' which aifords the housing for the lock.

' By manipulation of the lock, in the man-' ner described above,lthe operating member may be dperablyconneeted with the nut so that the latter may be rotated to move it onto or oil of the post P or'vary itsad- I at any time,

Leena-ca device, thus adapting it for the close retention of articles of difi'erent sizes, or of different numbers of articles. As in the embodiment first described, the placing of the look at the free position renders the operating member inefiective to accomplishadjustment of the attaching member, which on standard sized radiator tubes, wheel racks, other automobile fittings, or other mountings. Furthermore, the construction permits operative engagement of the operating member with the retaining member selectively in different thereby affording accessibility to the lock and permitting any extent of adjustment of the retaining member on; the mounting. The frictional engagement of the closure plate 3' between the flange ,1 and the top of the nipple 2 is efi'ective to retain the operating member in the desired angular position, so that the dial of the motor meter is presented in the'proper direction. I

While I have shown two embodiments of the invention, it is obvious that these are not exhaustive of all forms in which it may be utilized, and it is to be understood,ther,efore, that they are to be construed as illustrative of the invention and not as limitations of its scope.

Certain of the features herein disclosed ing application Ser. No. 411,255. filed September 18, 1922.

I claim: 1. In a theft preventing device, the combination with a mounting, of a retaining member arranged for connection thereto, an

' operating member housing the retaining bination of a retaining member to prevent access thereto and having bearing engagement therewithto main-' tain saidmembers 1n co-axial relationship, said operating member and retaining member being provided with .axial apertures and means protectively housed by the operating member below the top of the retaining member, said means being operable fonengagement with a peripheral portion of the retaining member to enable adjustment of the latter on the the operating member.

2. In a theft preventing device, the comfor adjustable connection with a suitable mounting, an operating member housing the retaining member to prevent access thereto,

rotative positions,-

ing a mounting by -operation of member arranged said members being connected for relative movement and having axial apertures, and engaging means protectively housed by the operating member for operation at one side bination of a retaining member adapted for connection with a vmounting by rotary movement, an operating member encompassin the retaining member and rotatable re ative thereto co-axially about the mounting, and an engaging member protectively housed entirely below the top of theretaining member and; engagable with the retaining member at the side of the mount ing, whereby the retaining member may be rotated thereon by the operating member.

4:. In a theft preventing device, the com-' bination of a retaining member adapted for adjustableconnectionwith a mounting and having an axial opening to receive the end thereof, an operating member housing the retaining member and rotatable relative thereto, opening co-axial with that of the retaining member, and engaging means protectively housed by the operating member for cooperation with a peripheral portion of the retaining member to holdthe same for rotation-with the operating member.

5. In a theft preventing device, the combination with a mounting, of a retaining member having an'axial opening .to receive adapted for engagement with a said operating member having an thereto and disconnected therefrom by rotary movement, an operating member housing the retaining member and rotatable relative thereto, said operating member hav top aperture co-axial with the axial openingof the retaining member, and key operated means protectively housed by the operating member and operable to effect engagement with a peripheral portion of the retaining member to permit rotation of the latter by the operating member.

6. In a theft'preventing device, the combination of a retaining member adapted for connection with a suitable mounting by rotary movement, an operating member hous in m unted thereon, and a connecting member protectively housed by the operating memher for engagement with the retaining member to permit rotation of the latter byv the operating member, said operating member including a concealed portion effective to lock the connecting member out of engagement with the retainin member. 7 In a theft preventing device, the combination of a retaining member adapted for) rotary connection with a suitable mounting,

the retaining member and rotatably the skirt portion an of the path ofsaid lug, and means efiective an operating'member housing theretaining ple by ;rotary movement, a cap rotatably I connected to said retaining member, 881d" member and having a rotary connection therewith, said members being. provided with co-axial apertures, a handle carried by the operating member, whereby it may be rotated, and locking means: protectively housed'below the top of'the retaining memher at the'outer side thereof and operable to secure the retaining and operating members for rotation together,

8. In a closure and the like the 'combina tion of a circularretainingmemlier adapt ed for screw-thread connection to a suitable mounting, "an operating -member rotatably secured to said retaining member and including a cover portion and anannular skirt portion, the retaining member having a; peripheral lug associated with the operating member,an engagin member mo'unt'ed on movable'into and out position. a

9. In a device of the class described, the combination of a retaining member-adapted forscrew-threaded engagement witha suitable ,mounting, an. operating 'memberrotatably secured to said retainin member and having an annularskirt encircling the same, said retaining memberIaflording an uninterrupted peripheral channel and a stop adjacent said channel, an engaging member supported on the; skirt of the operatin membervand movable to a position to trave tolock said engaging member" in the latter --in said channel and to 'a position to engage said stop, and means for-locking said engaging member in a selected position; v

-10. A closure mounting comprising the combination of a retaining memberadated for-screw-thread connection .with a sui able mounting, an operating member, encompassing said retalmng member and formed to accommodate passage of said mounting,

said operating and retaining members being connected for relative rotary movement, ,manipulative means whereby said operating and retaining members may be connected to enable rotation of the latter by the former, and said operating member being provided with laterally extending handles whereby it may be rotated to screw the retaining member to seated position on the mounting.

11. An instrument retaining closure forautomobile radiators comprising the combinat on of an annular retaining member 7 adapted for connection to the radiator nip- I .ed thereon, and an engaging member housed cap including a cover -portion adapted to close the end of the-retaining. member and.

Ca skirtportionencompassing the retaining" member, said cover portion affording -a mounting for an instrument with apart thereof extending therethrough, and an engaging member carried below said cover .portion andoperable between the skirt portion 0f the cap'and the peripheral wall of the retaining member for connecting the two to permit rotation of the retaining' member by the cap.

adapted foreonnection to the radiator nipple by rotary movement, a cap connected to said retainingmember for rotary movement,

said cap including a cover portionjarrangedto close the end of the retaining member, a

member and. laterally extending handles skirt portion encompassing the retaining I whereby the cap me. be rotated, said cover 'porti onbeing provi ed with an axial aperture to accommodate an instrument mountbelow said :eover portion and operable between said-skirt portion and a lateral surface of the retaining member for connectingthe cap. 'and'retaining member to permit rotation of the latter by the'former, '13. An automobile. radiator attachment comprising the combination of a retaining 1 member adapted for attachmentto the radiator nipple, an operating memberro- 'tatably. connected to the retaining memher, said operating member including a cover portion provided with an aperture and afiordin a mounting-for a display de vice and a s irt portion encompassin the retaining member and carrying radial y-extending handles wherebythe operating ,member may be rotated, and engaging "means concealed between'said skirt portion and -the retaining member for connecting them for rotation to ether. 7

In witness whereofi have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscrib-.

ing witnesses.

. a JOHN F. WHITE.

Witnesses:

" FRANCES K. Gnmnsrm,

C. S. Burma. 

